Get Stuffed: Five Quick and Easy Mushroom Appetizers

Stuffed mushroom recipes have always sounded very daunting to me. The mention of a stuffed mushroom conjures up thoughts of complex recipes, bread crumbs (which I personally detest), and overly indulgent ingredients. But why should a decently stuffed mushroom require any of those elements? My no-heat-required stuffed mushrooms make super-easy appetizers, and I also add them to my lunches as a simple side item. Ditch the bread crumbs and long prep time for tasty hors d'oeuvres that are ready in minutes.

For all of these concoctions I simply used raw button mushrooms. Feel free to substitute with a mushroom of your choice. Remove the mushrooms' stems and then fill with a spoonful of one of the follow delicious stuffings.

1. Hummus: Made or bought, simply load up a plate of hollow mushroom caps with a dollop of your favorite variety and serve. Intrepid chefs, be sure to check out some of the unique recipes in my hub Let Them Eat Hummus.
2. Guacamole: Again, purchase a package of pre-made guacamole or just peel, de-seed, and mash some ripe avocados. Spoon into the mushroom caps and serve.
3. Balsamic cottage cheese: As unlikely as this combination may sound, cottage cheese teamed with balsamic vinegar is a sure thing. Fill each mushroom cap with cottage cheese (my favorite is 2% fat cottage cheese), then lightly drizzle with balsamic.
4. Pesto: This flavorful paste made from crushed basil, garlic, and pine nuts is a natural partner for mushrooms. Grocery stores often carry excellent pre-made options, or visit Simple Recipes for instructions on how to make fresh basil pesto.
   
5. Salsa cream cheese: In a blender combine a small tub of cream cheese with about 1/4 cup of salsa. Process until smooth, then serve in the mushroom caps. I find that this stuffing works best when using non-fat or whipped cream cheese paired with a brown mushroom variety.

Other simple mushroom fillings include any kind of cheese (goat cheese with a little salmon is excellent), leftover garlic mashed potatoes, bruschetta, or spinach pureed with herbs and spices. These surprising combos make perfect last-minute appetizers that taste as if they took far longer to prepare The raw stuffed mushroom can be easily made in minutes by chefs and party hosts who are all thumbs in the kitchen, or for a quick and easy snack time nibble.

All writing and photography copyright of Beth Morey, 2010. Reproduction/reprinting is prohibited, although linking to this hub as an information source is permitted.